 Overview |
 From
humble beginnings as a former trading post on the tip of peninsula
Malaysia, Singapore has, over the last two centuries grown rapidly
into a dynamic and bustling metropolis. Its strategic location in
the heart of south-east Asia at the cross roads of east and west,
has enabled the tiny city/state to become a vibrant melting pot
of ideas, cultures and peoples.
It's a place full of surprises, where a multitude of foreign influences
over two centuries, have blended to form a modern society moulded
from a unique cultural mix. Years of civic campaigns have enabled
Singapore to become one of the greenest cities in Asia with leafy
avenues and parks. Local Chinese temples, sit next to gleaming hi-rise
towers mixing modern and old, with orderly precision.
Why Visit?
While Singapore has the appearance of a western city, its roots
are undoubtedly Asian. It's city where East meets with West in cuisine,
attitudes, and style with a population that's curious, friendly
and polite. Modern, "clean and green" with lots of city
style attractions, Singapore still reflects its historical roots
- from the colonial British and the original Malay, to the waves
of Chinese traders and workers, Indian businessmen and laborers,
Arab merchants and European adventure-seekers. The result is a thriving
and vibrant city where you're just a likely to catch a local Chinese
street procession as a western international pop star in concert.
| People |
Around 4 million Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians live and
work side by side in Singapore. Although small in land area (just
under 640 square kilometres) Singapore is big in attractions. Theme
parks, nature parks, offshore islands, landmarks, museums, a vibrant
nightlife and an incredible amount of shopping opportunities await.
| Hotels/Accommodation |
 Singapore
has a huge range of accommodation - from guest houses to top notch
deluxe hotels. The main shopping area around Orchard Rd has a large
concentration of hotels, but there are also some unique boutique
style hotels around Chinatown. If you're looking for a little affordable
luxury, try the quayside (Marina) for comfortable upscale hotels
| Getting
Around |
Singapore has an excellent transport system with a sophisticated
rail network - the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) complemented by public
buses and taxis in all major areas. Taxis are plentiful with rates
displayed inside. There is a surcharge for all taxi journeys starting
from the airport and for journeys anywhere after-midnight. Public
buses and the MRT also operate from the airport.
| Attractions:
Nightlife & Entertainment |
 Nightlife
is centred around the main shopping and commercial areas like Orchard
Road and the historic old river area. Around (Clarke Quay
and Boat Quay ) the old warehouses and quays have been renovated
into a lively entertainment area with bars, shops and trendy restaurants
During the evening the whole area comes to life with street performers
and events. It's a place to where you can seriously party or simply
have a leisurely dinner and watch the action.
Singapore also has a thriving cultural scene featuring performing
arts, theatre and concerts. International artists from Jazz musicians
to famous pop icons to symphony orchestras and travelling theatres
visit regularly. Check the events calendar for details.
| Attractions:
City Sightseeing |
 Compared
to many cities, Singapore is still relatively young, but sights
like the colonial style Raffles Hotel, the Singapore Art
Gallery and Singapore's various theme parks are worth a visit.
Around the city centre or heritage area are many elegant buildings
and pleasant green areas with outdoor cafes.
Around the river, the renovated warehouses around Clarke Quay and
Boat Quay make an interesting and trendy venue to relax and watch
the world go by during the day. At night it becomes a popular entertainment
area. The Singapore Zoo and Bird Park makes a great day out
even if you don't have kids. The zoo includes a number of daily
shows and events, including tea with the Orangutans.
| Attractions:
Shopping |
Singapore is the shopping capital of Asia!! Orchard Road in the
centre of Singapore's downtown district brims with shopping outlets.
Mall after mall is packed with boutiques, department stores, emporiums
and local stores and that's the main area. Around other arts of
Singapore you'll find smaller enclaves like Chinatown or Little
India with unique or alternative ethnic shopping options.
Credit/Charge Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted by hotels, retailers, restaurants
and travel agents.
| What
to Buy |
Everything from clothes to Asian antiques - but don't expect rock
bottom prices. The days of super cheap bargains are over, but you
will get good value for money and there are some good deals on items
like electronics and computers.
| When
To Go. |
Singapore is virtually on the equator and has a warm and humid
climate throughout the year with a daily average temperature range
around 24C to 32C The seasons do not vary much. Showers can be so
regular during the "rainy season" June - October that
it's possible to set your watch by them!
| Visa
and Entry Facilities |
Visas are not generally needed for visits of less than 14 days.
Tourists are given a 14-day social visit pass on arrival. If you
want to stay longer, you may apply to the Immigration Department
on arrival.
Entry visas are required for visitors from certain countries. As
regulations may change from time to time, check with your nearest
Singapore Embassy or Singapore Tourist Promotion Board office before
departure.
| Culture,
Customs, General |
While in Singapore there is a cultural tolerance that respects
each of the main ethnic groups - Indian (Hindu) Chinese, Malay,
(Hindu-Buddhist) and Christian, laws regarding behavior are strictly
enforced. It is a highly regulated state. Singapore's clean and
green image is the result of more than two decades of various public
education campaigns and hefty fines for offenders. Be aware that
littering will attract a S$1,000 fine for first offenders. It's
also illegal to import, sell or possess chewing gum as part
of the anti-litter campaign.
Smoking
Smoking is banned in public buses, taxis, lifts, theatres, cinemas,
government offices, air-conditioned restaurants and shopping centres.
First -time offenders can be fined a maximum of S$1,000. However,
you can smoke in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and
nightspots.
| Official
language |
There are four official languages - Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and
English. English is the main language of business and administration.
Most Singaporeans are bilingual, speaking in their mother tongue
(Chinese) as well as English. Malay is the national language.
| Currency |
The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. US dollars,
Australian dollars, Japanese yen and British pounds are also accepted
in most shopping centres and big departmental stores.
| What
To Wear |
For Singapore's tropical climate, light summer clothing (preferably
natural fibres is best, but be aware that the air-conditioning is
arctic in most shopping centres, so a jacket or cardigan is often
needed!
Most restaurants and nightspots are quite relaxed in their dress
code - polo shirts, T-shirts, jeans, slacks, blouses, skirts, sun
dresses and sneakers are acceptable at most places. Singapore is
also quite sophisticated so suits and formal dresses will not be
out of place in trendy nightclubs.
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